Sandra‘s Closet

Who would have thought that cheetah print and red lace could look so lovely together?!

Olivia Palermo knows her style well and combines her animal-print shorts by Tibi with a red lace top by Zara for a punchy contrast. She keeps the rest simple with a pair of ballet flats by Repetto and a gold cuff.

If you are planning already your fall wardrobe, have a look at those pieces:

Printed cotton-blend sateen blazer (40% on sale) and skinny pants (50% off on sale), both by Tibi and Cecilia lace shirt (new season) by Erdem.

You could work the look from head to toe with the pants and the jacket together or just wear one at a time with this beautiful lace shirt for a fashion-forward combination.

LoL, Sandra

French couturier Madame Carmen de Tommaso established Carven in 1945 with an atelier on the Champs-Élysées, and her clientele quickly grew to include screen stars and royals alike. Now, with former Givenchy designer Guillaume Henry at the creative helm, the fashion house is opening an exciting new chapter in ready-to-wear and accessories. Look out for statement cocktail dresses, perfectly embellished skirts and super cool sunglasses for amazing prices.

I am in love with Carven’s cuteness and you?

LoL, Sandra

Cutout cotton-poplin dress by Carven

Cady sable skirt by Carven

Linen and patent-leather slingbacks by Carven

Anastasie flip-up round-frame acetate sunglasses by Carven

Multicolour cotton clutch bag by Carven

British luxury automaker Aston Martin has debuted the Dragon 88 range of automobiles (DBS Volante, Virage Coupe and V8 Vantage S) at the Beijing Motor Show.

My favourite is the DBS Volante special edition “Year of the Dragon” that features bespoke details that pay tribute to the dragon, a creature that represents power and fortune in Chinese folklore. They take the form of 24-carat gold wing badges, embroidered headrests and commemorative sill plates. Just 88 examples were produced for each model and will only be available in China.

One of the exclusive colour options selected “to chime with traditional Chinese art and imagery” is burgundy in combination with bright red which I absolutely adore. And below you can see that this colour combo would look also stunning on you, ladies!

Burgundy collarless blouse by Miu Miu, red stretch pencil skirt by Diane von Furstenberg, red Tribtoo suede pumps by Yves Saint Laurent and small flap bag by Chanel (Vintage).

LoL Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Aston Martin

There are some beautiful things on their way from Yves Saint Laurent: The house’s new makeup summer collection which will be launching in Switzerland in May 2012. 
I love the earthy hues with the contrast of blue that inspired me to this look:

Olive green logo T-shirt by Yves Saint Laurent, lace-print cropped low-rise skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, ruched suede ankle boots by Brian Atwood, gold-plated lace-effect cuff and Arty gold-plated glass ring by Yves Saint Laurent, bag by Alexander McQueen, blue wool and silk-blend blazer by Stella McCartney.

My favourite products for the eyes: The Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette N°8 Sand (CHF 79.-) can be used dry and wet and looks gorgeous in combination with the Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof N°4 Blue Majorelle (CHF 50.-).

Here you can see how I applied the eyeshadow palette. I used the three earthy hues dry on the lid and blended them well starting with the darker tone up to the lightest one. The olive shade was applied wet like an eyeliner. I finished off the look with lots of black mascara for the upper lashes and used the blue mascara for the lower lashes to open the eye beautifully.

On my nails I am wearing the new La Lacque Couture in N°18 Bleu Majorelle (CHF 37.-).
The nail polish is part of the new La Lacque Couture La Vernithèque collection which will be launching in May 2012 in Switzerland.

Thirty new shades that offer high shine and easy application with a new brush. Choose from a colour palette of reds and  oranges, pinks and fuchsias, plums and purples, nudes and browns, and other groundbreaking shades.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of YSL and © Sandra Bauknecht

I love overalls and this gorgeous piece from the BOSS Black Pre-fall 2012 collection is absolutely divine. The cut and the pink colour are perfect together. 
Overall “Demira” is available in selected Hugo Boss stores now for CHF 429.-.

The colour combination of bright pink and black is gorgeous. (For a previous post where I am wearing those two shades, click here).
Therefore I would combine the pink overall with those accessories below:

Suede shell clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Satin T-bar sandals by Alexander McQueen

A great outfit that works for all seasons!

LoL, Sandra

S/S 2012 is all about print, especially floral and ikat print, but how far are you willing to go?

Think head-to-toe as seen at the Matthew Williamson S/S 2012 show and add a colourful standout clutch for the ultimate fashion statement. 
If you nod to the look confidently, the compliments will be all yours.

Shop the look:
Floral ikat print blouse and floral ikat print trousers by Matthew Williamson, Falabella fold-over clutch by Stella McCartney and textured-leather platform sandals by Rochas.

The perfect outfit for a nice spring day.

LoL, Sandra

This year Escada celebrates 20 years of their iconic limited edition fragrances, and for this special occasion the company are relaunching three of the most popular: Sexy Graffiti (originally from 2002), Island Kiss (from 2004) and Rockin’ Rio (from 2005).
All three are fruity floral fragrances.

Available now
Eau de Toilette 30ml (CHF 64.-), 50ml (CHF 86.-), 100ml (CHF 114.-)
Body Lotion 150ml (CHF 38.-)

Below you can find more information on the cherry picked three favourite editions that evoke the ultimate exciting moments of summer and some inspirations for a new look:

SEXY GRAFFITI

Sexy Graffiti by Escada is inspired by that magical summer moment when the late New York afternoon sun gives way to a fun party atmosphere where cocktails flow, music plays and the beautiful people make their way to the club bar.

Top notes: Wild strawberry, raspberry, grapefruit and mint
Heart notes: Lily of the Valley, red peony and violets
Base notes: Vanilla and musk

Margot lantern-sleeve wool-crepe dress by Rosanda Illincic, Yolanda pink patent-leather pumps and Mini Loubi Lula satin frame clutch, both by Christian Louboutin and plexiglass and crystal cuff by Emilio Pucci.

ISLAND KISS

Island Kiss by Escada is inspired by the heady days of beach lounging in the Caribbean sea – the water lapping the shore in subtle ripples and the bright sunshine forming dimples of light on the ocean.

Top notes: Tropical red fruit, orange, passion flower and mango
Heart notes: Magnolia and peach
Base notes: Red fruits, wood and musk

Joan blue silk crepe-de-chine and lace dress by Stella McCartney, Lulu triangle bikini by Shimmi, Opyum suede pointed pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, Intrecciato silk-moire knot clutch by Bottega Veneta and turquoise cube ring by Kelly Wearstler.

ROCKIN’ RIO

Rock’in Rio by Escada is inspired by the ultimate holiday cocktail. Imagine the setting of a vibrant and glamorous bar along a Rio promenade – the beautiful and sun-kissed admire each other with their flowing hair and colourful flamboyancy.

Top notes: Coconut, pineapple, tangerine and papaya
Heart notes:  Sugar Cane and peach
Base notes: Sandalwood and musk

Flame lemon-yellow stretch-crepe dress by Preen, canary Honolulu printed silk-chiffon scarf by Swash, yellow patent-leather wedges by Jimmy Choo, Single quilted leather shoulder bag by Marc Jacobs, Katie enameled brass bracelet and stud earrings, both by Marc by Marc Jacobs.

I am so in the mood for summer and you?

LoL, Sandra

To all my Irish readers, Happy St. Patrick’s Day 2012!

When I lived in Chicago, one of my favourite days during the year was the 17th of March when the Chicago River was dyed green for this special occasion (see tiny photo to the left). It is a 50-year tradition in the American city where many Irish are living.

Did you know? It’s said that blue was originally the colour associated with the holiday but over time green took over in popularity due to Ireland’s nickname as “The Emerald Isle”, the green in the Irish flag and the clover that St. Patrick used in his teachings about Catholicism.
Thank God, it was changed to green as blue would have been such an ordinary colour for the Chicago river.

During my last trip to Ireland, it was raining pretty much all the time. This inspired me to style this fashionable outfit for the more humid days:

Star-print rain coat by Miu Miu, cable-knit cashmere sweater by Ralph Lauren Black Label, high-waisted cotton-canvas skirt by See by Chloé, 1970 small leather shoulder bag by Gucci and Wellington boots by Hunter.

LoL, Sandra

The reason for my fairytale-like trip to Paris was the launch of Dior Addict Extrême, the new lasting fashion lipstick. For the official photos, please click here. Today, I would like to give you more information on the new season’s must-have beauty product.

In 2011, an addict fashion story came to life when Dior launched Dior Addict, the house’s first fashion lipstick in 44 easy-to-wear and playful colours with spectacular glossy shine and ultra-comfort. For last year’s post, please click here.

In 2012, Addict becomes Extreme, edgy and sophisticated. The new black case makes it a fashion statement already.
Available in 12 new pure luminous colours, starting in Switzerland Mid March for CHF 46.-.
(There will be 4 new nail polish shades complementing the look for CHF 37.-.)

The star ingredients of the lipsticks are 4 expert waxes with extreme opposite actions for a breakthrough combination of lasting comfort in an ultra-thin veil. Dior added the most thin and radiant oils for a luminous shine and radiant shades. Hyaluronic microspheres provide ultra-comfort and an immediate plumping result.

Below you can explore the 4 “It“– shades  and their 4 iconic styles.
I also created some fashion looks complementing the new lip colours. To shop the outfit, just click on the highlighted texts.

LUCKY
Audacious Pinks – Fashion Dress-Code

Inspired by Lucky, one of Dior’s most famous models, who was an icon on the catwalks in the `50s, this shade is for a woman who explores her inspirations and plays with her style.

Wrap-effect crepe dress by Vanessa Bruno, Masako silk-satin pumps by Charlotte Olympia and Mini Loubi Lula printed silk-twill frame clutch by Christian Louboutin.

Dior Addict Extrême 536 Lucky and Dior Vernis 659 Lucky

INCOGNITO
Beige Elegance – Minimal Chic

Inspired by the allure of Parisian women, this shade is synonymous for timeless sophistication.

Wool-twill blazer and shirt dress with star buttons, both by Miu Miu and snake-effect leather pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti.

Dior Addict Extrême 316 Incognito and Dior Vernis 257 Incognito

RIVIERA
Sunny Shades – Cruise Aura

This coral tone stands for the elegance of the Riviera and the fascination of St. Tropez.

Printed silk-georgette top by Roberto Cavalli, silk-trimmed brushed-twill shorts by Elizabeth and James,leather ballerinas by Repetto, PS1 Small leather satchel by Proenza Schouler and enameled gold-plated cuff by Yves Saint Laurent.

Dior Addict Extrême 639 Riviera and Dior Vernis 537 Riviera

PLAZA
Depth & Intensity – Extreme Glamour

Inspired by the iconic Plaza Athénée hotel on Avenue Montaigne, this velvety pink is for all divas and the special moments in your life.

Strapless cotton and silk-blend faille gown by Prabal Gurung, neon python snake-clasp clutch by Roberto Cavalli and Tippi snake-effect leather pumps by Jimmy Choo.

Dior Addict Extrême 476 Plaza and Dior Vernis 579 Plaza

Which one is your favourite?

LoL, Sandra

This morning when I woke up in New York City after a good night’s sleep (I had been awake for 24hours!), I looked outside and the view from my hotel window was breathtaking. It was 6am and the sun was rising. The light was reflected in the skyscrapers’s facades and the colours inspired me to today’s outfit post.

Embellished-collar printed crepe dress by Miu Miu, leather-trimmed cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry Prorsum, orange envelope clutch by Tory Burch, handmade acetate D-frame sunglasses by Finest Seven, Tribtoo suede pumps and enameled gold-plated cuff, both by Yves Saint Laurent.

LoL, Sandra

6:00am

10:00 am

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht